Embrace Your Identity as Citizens of Heaven: Hard Truths for Navigating Uncertainty
In a world where everything feels uncertain – from politics to global crises and everyday life – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But there is something greater that remains, even when everything else seems to shake: an eternal Kingdom.
Our true belonging isn’t tied to earthly things because our identity as citizens of heaven shapes our perspective.
As someone who is Ghanaian, raised in Germany, and now resides in the United States, I have often questioned my earthly belonging.
However, my heavenly belonging is something I have no doubt in.
This is the Kingdom that provides lasting hope and purpose – the Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Understanding Our Heavenly Citizenship in a Chaotic World
As votes are cast and policies are decided, remember who you are and where you belong. Your citizenship isn’t here.
No election can change the King you serve. Politics doesn’t have all the answers—only Jesus does.
In Isaiah 2:22, we are reminded, “Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?”
This verse emphasizes that while we may engage in the political process, our ultimate trust should be placed in God alone, who is unchanging and eternal.
Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). You can have thoughts and opinions – we all do – but hold them up to the Kingdom standard.
When you feel challenged, ask yourself: What does God say about this? How does God feel about this?
Engaging with these questions not only helps us align our actions with our faith but also convicts us to reflect on our choices and motives, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of God’s will in our lives.
What It Means to Be Salt and Light
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”
As citizens of heaven, we have the responsibility to influence our surroundings by being salt and light.
Being salt means adding flavor and preserving goodness in our communities while being light involves shining truth and love in times of darkness.
We are not just here to exist but to make a difference, embodying the values of our eternal Kingdom in every part of life.
In a chaotic world, we are not just here to survive. We stand firm. We change things. We bring the values of the Kingdom to the earth.
Elections matter, policies and activism matter, but what matters most is that our citizenship is in heaven.
As citizens of heaven, we bring to the table a commitment to truth, justice, and compassion.
We are called to act on facts and principles rooted in God’s Word, enabling genuine dialogue and understanding.
This approach allows us to bring about real change in our communities and beyond, reflecting the heart of God in every situation.
Navigating Identity with a Heavenly Focus
There are moments when I listen to Mary Mary's song Heaven, and it stirs something deep within me.
The lyrics remind me that my ultimate destination is heaven, and I believe with all my heart that I am going there.
But as dark as it may sound, I often wonder about where I will want to be buried one day. Does it matter?
Probably not in the bigger scheme of things, because my spirit will have moved on. But for my family – especially our children – where will my final bodily resting place be?
This question always comes back to identity, especially in the context of my multicultural background.
There are valid reasons to consider Germany, Ghana, and the U.S. as options for my resting place.
However, for now, I focus on heaven because that is my one assured destination.
In the end, it's not about the physical location of my resting place but about where my true identity lies—in my heavenly citizenship.
How to Navigate Earthly Challenges with a Heavenly Perspective
Hebrews 12:28 says, “Since we are receiving a kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and worship God with reverence and awe.”
This is important: we belong to a Kingdom that isn’t affected by elections, economic troubles, or cultural conflicts. It stands firm amidst these challenges.
Many of us feel uncertain not only during election seasons but also due to various conflicts happening around the world.
You might worry that if your preferred candidate isn’t elected or if chaos continues to unfold globally, everything will fall apart.
But remember: our citizenship is in heaven, not tied to a political party or leader. Philippians 3:18-20 reminds us that our true identity is beyond earthly issues.
While we may rightly engage in the political process and care about the issues affecting our communities, it’s essential to maintain a heavenly perspective.
This doesn't mean we should ignore the struggles around us; rather, it allows us to approach these issues with a mindset rooted in hope and purpose.
In John 3:12, Jesus emphasizes the importance of understanding spiritual truths to navigate our earthly experiences.
The saying “too heavenly minded for earthly good” warns us against being so focused on spiritual matters that we neglect the present and the needs of those around us.
Instead, we should strive to balance our heavenly focus with active participation in the world, reflecting the values of our eternal Kingdom in our daily lives.
Bringing Light into Darkness: Our Role in a Challenging World
Using sports as an analogy, when you’re the home team, the crowd cheers for you. But when you're in “enemy territory,” the crowd shouts against you.
If you’re a follower of Jesus, that’s where many say we are today – navigating a world that often opposes our values.
This isn’t a “woe is me” moment, but rather a call to recognize our identity as citizens of a greater Kingdom.
We are invited to engage actively and bring light into the darkness, reflecting the hope we have in Christ.
1 Peter 2:11 says, “Dear friends, I urge you, as strangers and temporary residents in this world, to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.”
This highlights the need for focus and integrity as we encounter various challenges.
Churches and believers used to have more cultural influence, but we should ask ourselves why that is no longer the case.
How have our actions and attitudes contributed to this shift? In many instances, we may have prioritized political alignments over our core message, leading to a disconnect with those seeking genuine faith.
Look around you. This is not just an American issue; it is global. In many countries, including Ghana (NPP and NDC), where I am from, we witness the strife between political parties, with tribalism and nationalism often shaping opinions and decisions.
Nationalism can create a sense of identity and belonging, but it can also lead to division and exclusion. We must be honest about this reality.
Often, we justify our positions with Scripture, but we should reflect on how many interpretations of Scripture may serve our personal agendas rather than the truth.
As we navigate this landscape, we must remember that God calls us to be light in the darkness.
By engaging thoughtfully with the world around us, we can bring clarity and hope to the conversations that matter most.
How Secularism, Humanism, and Idolatry Influence Our Values
Consider a small leak in a roof. At first, it may seem insignificant, just a few drops. But over time, that tiny leak can lead to significant damage, compromising the integrity of the entire structure.
That’s how the enemy operates. Beliefs that do not align with scripture, dangerous ideologies, and broken systems can seep into our homes, schools, and even churches, often going unnoticed until they cause real harm.
If we’re not mindful, ideas like secularism, humanism, and idolatry can shape our lives in ways that challenge our values.
However, it’s essential to approach these concepts with an open mind and thoughtful reflection.
Instead of seeing them as threats, we can view them as opportunities to deepen our understanding of our own beliefs and how they fit into the broader world.
By engaging with these ideas critically, we can better navigate our interactions with others while remaining true to our values:
Secularism
This principle supports keeping religion separate from public life, allowing people of different beliefs to coexist.
In our diverse world, secularism can promote understanding and tolerance.
However, it can also make it difficult for those who want to express their faith openly in public settings.
Finding a balance between secular governance and the freedom to practice religion is essential for healthy dialogue in a varied society.
As we navigate these challenges, it’s important to consider what we are teaching in our homes.
Are we instilling values that truly reflect our beliefs? And why do we expect others to uphold teachings that we may not be actively demonstrating ourselves?
Reflecting on these questions helps us recognize our responsibility to live out our faith authentically and share it with those around us.
Humanism
Humanism focuses on the value of human beings and promotes living in a way that respects each other’s rights and well-being.
It encourages people from different backgrounds to unite around important ideas like justice and equality.
Many also find meaning and guidance through spirituality and faith, which we should respect as we interact with one another.
As we consider these ideas, it’s important to reflect on what we choose to believe and practice, and why.
This self-examination helps us understand our motivations and ensures our actions align with our core values.
It also encourages thoughtful engagement with others, opening conversations that honor both our shared humanity and diverse spiritual beliefs.
We should consider how our choices might change if we or our loved ones are affected by these beliefs, especially in multicultural and intergenerational households where beliefs, views, and traditions can greatly differ.
However, we should not wait until we are personally impacted to address these issues truthfully.
By understanding the values that influence our lives, we can actively participate in meaningful conversations before circumstances push us to act.
Idolatry
Idolatry means attaching too much value to things, ideas, or identities that can distract us from what truly matters.
This can manifest as an obsession with material possessions or placing societal expectations above genuine values.
In today’s global context, being aware of what we prioritize can help us stay focused on our core beliefs.
As we reflect on our choices, it’s important to ask ourselves what we might be valuing too highly and why.
This self-examination allows us to identify distractions and ensures that we are aligning our lives with what truly matters.
By doing so, we can better navigate the challenges we face and maintain a clear sense of purpose.
These influences can challenge the foundation of our values if we allow them.
In a rapidly changing culture, it’s important to engage with these ideas while staying true to what we believe.
In this context, it's essential to reflect on our own hearts. Ask yourself, “What is your acceptable sin of choice?”
We all have areas where we might overlook certain behaviors. Also, consider what drives your beliefs—ask yourself, “Is it based on facts, group loyalty, or scriptural teachings?”
Understanding why we hold certain views can help us navigate the complexities of our world.
We need to stay grounded. As citizens of heaven living in a diverse society, we are undeniably shaped by the culture, but we also have the opportunity to influence it.
We must engage with the ideas around us and respond with values that encourage understanding, compassion, and respect for all people.
The Importance of Discernment in Our Faith and Values
Philippians 3:20 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
We live here on Earth, but this world is not our home. Just like when you travel overseas, your passport doesn’t make you a citizen of that country – it just allows you to visit.
You’re still identified by your home country, meaning your true identity remains rooted in where you belong.
In the same way, we are reminded that even though we live on this earth, our citizenship is in heaven.
We’re temporary residents here. Our spiritual “passport” identifies us as part of God’s eternal Kingdom, which shapes our identity and purpose.
That changes everything. Even amidst our current culture wars and political struggles, which often present challenges to our beliefs and values, we don’t lose hope or compromise.
However, it’s important to be discerning and not blindly follow leaders who may exploit our faith or allegiance for their agendas.
Some may use biblical references to manipulate our beliefs, calling for blanket loyalty without critical examination.
Our choices and responses should be informed by the customs, values, and standards of heaven – not the ever-shifting ways of this world.
This heavenly perspective empowers us to navigate life with clarity, integrity, and a commitment to truth.
What It Means to Live as Citizens of Heaven
What does it mean to live as citizens of heaven? It means focusing more on God’s teachings than on any political party.
When we vote, live, and speak, we bring the perspective of the Kingdom.
We don’t make decisions based on party expectations but on values that reflect our faith.
Biblical Values and Our Responsibilities
It’s common to hear calls to “vote based on Biblical values,” but what does that actually include?
Sometimes the focus shifts, overlooking the values Jesus taught about welcoming strangers, caring for the poor, feeding the hungry, providing healing, and forgiving debts.
In those moments, it’s important to ask ourselves: which values do we truly uphold as Biblical, and how are we living them out?
In John 18:36, Jesus says, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” His Kingdom originates in heaven and impacts the earth.
As citizens of this Kingdom, our role is to bring that perspective into every part of our lives – our conversations, workplaces, and homes.
We seek God’s wisdom on all issues, from life and justice to relationships and community.
Reflecting on Our Civic Duty
When we vote, we win. Yes, that is our civic duty, but whose interests are we truly serving, and to whose edification?
Do we see it as a World Cup where our team must win so we can rub it in our opponents’ faces?
Is it because we hate to see others moving forward, and we want to stop that progress?
What is our end goal? What is our reasoning? What are we actually winning in this process?
Are we upholding values that reflect our faith, or are we simply seeking to secure power for our side?
Let us be honest with ourselves; I know I have had to be.
As citizens of heaven, it’s important that our motivations reflect the love and truth we are called to share.
The Importance of God’s Truth
God's Truth refers to the absolute principles that God reveals to guide us in our faith and actions. In John 17:17, Jesus prays, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of Scripture in grounding our beliefs and decisions in God's eternal truth.
Reflecting on this, I remember growing up in Germany and attending a Catholic church. We didn’t have Bibles in service, only hymnals.
That absence of daily engagement with Scripture can lead to gaps in understanding or living out faith.
It’s easy for parts of Scripture to go ignored, especially teachings like those in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), which calls us to live with humility, forgiveness, and love for others.
Recognizing Common Sins
Many people tend to focus on specific “sins” such as sexual immorality while ignoring more common ones, like greed, laziness, pride, gossip, judgmental attitudes, unforgiveness, bitterness, compromise of integrity, consumerism, and disregarding the needs of others.
This selective focus can be influenced by cultural norms since addressing these everyday issues can make us uncomfortable or require self-reflection.
However, we must remember that all sin is serious. As 1 John 3:4 reminds us, “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.”
We are all affected by sin, as stated in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” highlighting that no sin is better or worse than another.
The Church's Role and Our Identity
If the church were to confront the hypocrisy and selective outrage surrounding sin, emphasizing values like generosity, compassion, and integrity, it could create a more inclusive community.
We need to recognize that without grace and redemption at the center, the message may be lost, and many may feel alienated.
When we stray from Kingdom principles in favor of other influences, we can lose sight of our true identity as citizens of heaven.
Don’t let the noise around you distract you from who you are in Christ.
“To build a foundation that lasts, we must anchor ourselves in truth and align our lives with the teachings of Christ.”
Remember that we’re here to create heaven on earth. We are called to be salt and light in every conversation and action.
While our citizenship is in heaven, we have been left here with a purpose: to impact this world with light and truth.
Our residence is here, but our true identity lies in heaven. Let’s be informed by heaven's ways and customs.
As part of our calling, we must exercise our right to engage in the world around us.
Let’s not be casual followers; we should live as if we truly belong to another Kingdom – because, in the end, we do.
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